Here's a peek at the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross ahead of its Jan. 26 launch

Mitsubishi Philippines is set to launch the refreshed 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross this Jan. 26, 2023. 

The announcement comes from a recent teaser that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines released to the media, showing the silhouette of the vehicle's front fascia and the tagline “Get ready to cross the current.”

While its local specifications are still unknown, we can look to other markets to guess what it might bring to the local market.

What we do know is that it will go up against the likes of the Honda BR-V and the Toyota Veloz. 

A more SUV-like design

Unlike the Mitsubishi Xpander that it is based on, the Xpander Cross gets a more SUV-like design thanks to the additions of body cladding, a new lower bumper, and roof rails.

The seven-seater still has the brand’s “Dynamic Shield” design, but now sports a new front clip. The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross also now comes with new bumpers, new body cladding, and a set of new 17-inch wheels. 

In addition, it carries the T-shaped headlights and taillights available on the regular Xpander.

Updated interior

Like the regular MPV model, the Xpander Cross benefits from its more premium interior and horizontal dashboard design. 

Changes include a four-spoke steering wheel, a high-efficiency air filter, soft-touch padded materials with a black-and-blue color scheme, and leather seats with heat guard technology that is designed to reflect heat for a cooler cabin. 

Improved technology

In other markets, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander also gets new technology features: a 9-inch digital instrument cluster and a wireless charger.

For its infotainment system, we expect it to be the same as the regular Xpander model, sporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. 

Tweaked chassis and suspension

Aside from the new exterior, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross also comes with updates to its chassis.

While it retains its 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine that pushes out 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque, its transmission has been swapped out for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) instead of its traditional four-speed automatic gearbox.

Also Read: What?! No CVT? 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross allegedly to keep 4AT

Aside from this, the Xpander Cross also gets upgrades to its suspension, which come in the form of rigid front strut mounting and a revised rear suspension that now comes with larger shock absorbers with high-performance valves. 

New safety features

Safety has also been upgraded with the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross. 

It now comes with Active Yaw Control, which lets the car individually apply the brakes to its inside wheels when cornering to help reduce understeer. Aside from this, it also has a 360-degree camera and standard features like anti-lock brakes.

The price of the upcoming Mitsubishi Xpander Cross has yet to be revealed. However, given the features available in other markets, will these be enough to separate it from the regular Xpander?